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NXperience · 03-22-2006, 08:01 PM

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...v=st&type=lgns

Suns F-C Stoudemire could return Thursday
March 22, 2006

PHOENIX (Ticker) - The long-awaited return of Phoenix Suns star center Amare Stoudemire could be Thursday night.

Stoudemire said Wednesday that there is an 80 percent chance of his being in uniform when the Suns host the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.

The team's website reported that Stoudemire participated in 5-on-5 drills for the third straight day Wednesday and was put on the club's active roster.

ESPN.com reported that Stoudemire will play Thursday.

Sidelined since October after undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee in October, Stoudemire was uncertain about returning this season as recently as last week.

After a discussion with Suns CEO Jerry Colangelo and five straight days of practice, the 2005 All-Star may finally be ready to go.

The addition of Stoudemire would be a phenomenal lift for the Suns, who already are en route to their second straight Pacific Division title with a 45-21 record but could use a boost in anticipation of potential postseason showdowns with San Antonio or Dallas, the top teams in the Western Conference.

Last season, the 6-10 Stoudemire was fifth in the NBA in scoring at 26 points per game and second in shooting at 56 percent. He also averaged 8.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

In early October, the Suns signed Stoudemire, 23, to a five-year, $73 million contract extension. Shortley thereafter, they discovered that their star big man had a joint surface defect in his left knee that required microfracture surgery.

The procedure is followed by long-term rehabilitation that has set back other star players such as Chris Webber and Allan Houston. Stoudemire initially was pegged to return in February, but the timetable was pushed back to March.

Upon resuming workouts, Stoudemire experienced swelling in the knee. Given the team's strong play without him and the concern over his long-term future, consideration was given to having Stoudemire sit out the entire season.

That would have been welcome news for rival teams as Stoudemire has gotten better in every season since the Suns selected him ninth overall out of high school in the 2002 draft.

Stoudemire was the 2003 Rookie of the Year, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. The following season, he improved to 20.6 points and 9.0 rebounds, overcoming an injury to win Rookie Challenge MVP honors at All-Star Weekend.

Without Stoudemire, Phoenix's top seven scorers this season are averaging career highs. Among them is All-Star point guard Steve Nash, who leads the NBA in assists and could win his second straight NBA MVP.

03-22-2006, 08:01 PM	#53
NXperience Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Berlin Posts: 946	http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...v=st&type=lgns Suns F-C Stoudemire could return Thursday March 22, 2006 PHOENIX (Ticker) - The long-awaited return of Phoenix Suns star center Amare Stoudemire could be Thursday night. Stoudemire said Wednesday that there is an 80 percent chance of his being in uniform when the Suns host the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. The team's website reported that Stoudemire participated in 5-on-5 drills for the third straight day Wednesday and was put on the club's active roster. ESPN.com reported that Stoudemire will play Thursday. Sidelined since October after undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee in October, Stoudemire was uncertain about returning this season as recently as last week. After a discussion with Suns CEO Jerry Colangelo and five straight days of practice, the 2005 All-Star may finally be ready to go. The addition of Stoudemire would be a phenomenal lift for the Suns, who already are en route to their second straight Pacific Division title with a 45-21 record but could use a boost in anticipation of potential postseason showdowns with San Antonio or Dallas, the top teams in the Western Conference. Last season, the 6-10 Stoudemire was fifth in the NBA in scoring at 26 points per game and second in shooting at 56 percent. He also averaged 8.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. In early October, the Suns signed Stoudemire, 23, to a five-year, $73 million contract extension. Shortley thereafter, they discovered that their star big man had a joint surface defect in his left knee that required microfracture surgery. The procedure is followed by long-term rehabilitation that has set back other star players such as Chris Webber and Allan Houston. Stoudemire initially was pegged to return in February, but the timetable was pushed back to March. Upon resuming workouts, Stoudemire experienced swelling in the knee. Given the team's strong play without him and the concern over his long-term future, consideration was given to having Stoudemire sit out the entire season. That would have been welcome news for rival teams as Stoudemire has gotten better in every season since the Suns selected him ninth overall out of high school in the 2002 draft. Stoudemire was the 2003 Rookie of the Year, averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. The following season, he improved to 20.6 points and 9.0 rebounds, overcoming an injury to win Rookie Challenge MVP honors at All-Star Weekend. Without Stoudemire, Phoenix's top seven scorers this season are averaging career highs. Among them is All-Star point guard Steve Nash, who leads the NBA in assists and could win his second straight NBA MVP. Last edited by NXperience; 03-22-2006 at 08:02 PM.